Mercedes-AMG Expected To Replace '43' Models With '53'

Mercedes-AMG is likely already working on replacements for its ’43’ series AMG cars. Insiders confirmed to Wheelsthe company plans to rename the series to ’53’ with an all-new inline-six engine. The change is slated to start next year on the third-generation CLS.

Mercedes is expected to reveal the all-new CLS next March, which will include a new CLS53 model that is powered by the new engine. The new engine is a 3.0-liter inline-six with an electrical turbocharger attached to it, as well as a rumored 50kW hybrid system. Although the official power figures for the engine are not yet known, insiders claim it has in excess of 400 horsepower; a sizable jump from the twin-turbocharged 3.0-liter V-6 found in the current 43 series AMG cars.

The publication also claims E53 coupe and convertible variants will closely follow the new CLS with the flat-six engine. While the non-AMG version of the straight-six is already scheduled for S Class duty, apparently the AMG folks are also considering tossing their version of it in the S Class as well.

It is speculated that lower-level Mercedes products, such as the C Class and GLC will also see the straight-six engine option, but perhaps without the electrically-assisted hybrid system; using a traditional forced-induction method instead.

The new 3.0-liter inline-six is actually sharing its architecture with Mercedes’ new 2.0-liter inline-four. The new 2.0-liter is also confirmed for AMG duty in the upcoming A Class.

Speaking of the A Class, part of the reason AMG is renaming the 43 series products is to elevate the cars above the AMG45 cars that bookend AMG’s lineup at the low end. That said, the sizable jump in power for the 43 cars with the new flat-six is also strong justification for the name elevation as well.

All of these changes are also expected to aid AMG’s plans to continue its explosive growth.

About Nick Saporito

AutoVerdict Senior Editor Nick Saporito began writing about cars at age 13. Nick ran a couple of automotive enthusiast sites for several years, before taking some time off to focus on his career and education. By day he's a marketing executive in the telecom world and by night he hangs out here at AV. You'll find him focusing on tech, design and the industry's future.